Special Rate Solo Rooming: The following departures of 27 January, 24 February, 24 March, 28 April, 20 October and 17 November 2018 and 23 February and 23 March 2019 include a discount of up to 12% on our standard single supplement.

2019 departures are subject to change of itinerary, price, discount and hotels. These will be confirmed in June 2018.

Important Information: For the trip starting in Delhi on 22 December, a Gala Dinner is included at the Hotel Radisson, Varanasi on 24 December.

Flights: Prices include internal airfare and taxes for flights from Delhi to Varanasi and Varanasi to Agra and are accurate as of 1st June 2017.

Travel Today, Sustain Tomorrow - At Rameshwar Village, you'll discover the 'Learn and Earn' programme which helps to raise the economic and social status of local rural women.

Join ME to WE and extend your Trafalgar trip with the perfect, hands-on sustainable experience. The vibrant culture and traditions of rural India are featured on this transformative experience.

Visas are required for India. Please contact the consulate/embassy for further information.

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.

Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).

For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.

About this trip

Embark on a spiritual interlude with India. Candle-lit rituals on the River Ganges, palaces, forts and tombs, a riot of colour and vibrancy around every corner - your exploration of India's Golden Triangle and centuries-old heritage takes you through the sandstone and marble halls of the Amber Fort, the pyramidal Palace of Winds and the exquisite Taj Mahal.

Welcome to India. Upon arrival at Delhi airport, transfer to your hotel. This evening meet your fellow guests and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception with drinks and appetisers.

Hotel

Sheraton New Delhi

Meals

Welcome Reception

Hotel

Sheraton New Delhi

Meals

Welcome Reception

Day 1

Day 2

DelhiDay 2 - Delhi

Start the day with a unique tour by rickshaw around Old Delhi for a Cultural Insight. Drive past the impressive Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered to be the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. Visit Jama Masjid the largest mosque in India and then stop at Chandni Chowk to discover the bustling and colourful market of the old city. Continue along the ceremonial avenue Rajpath and past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. After lunch in a local restaurant venture into New Delhi and admire the architectural design of the buildings. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites from Delhi's past. Humayun's Tomb Fort is one of the most magnificent Persian style tombs built in Delhi during the Mughal rule constructed out of red sandstone standing in the centre of gardens complete with pools linked by channels. Later visit Qutub Minar, a tower with five distinct storeys and which at approximately 75 metres is the tallest brick minaret in the world. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Day 2

Day 3

Delhi - Varanasi (2 Nights)Day 3 - Delhi - Varanasi (2 Nights)

This morning fly to the city of Varanasi; situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges, it is one of the most colourful places on earth and the centre of Hindu religion. On arrival transfer to your hotel and a little bit later escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a glimpse of rural life in India, a Cultural Insight. Walk through the village of Rameshwar where all activities are aimed at sustainable livelihood and community empowerment whilst ensuring the economic growth of the under-privileged. Observe local women making papad and pickles, doing embroidery or making saris which they sell to the local markets. Visit the Sanskrit school, where Sanskrit one of the oldest languages in the world is taught and in contrast the Shanti Dham Ashram a catholic prayer centre for the Christian society living in Varanasi. This evening enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges to witness an Aarti ceremony, a very powerful and uplifting spiritual ritual that uses fire as an offering. It's made in the form of a small 'diya' with a candle and flowers and a large number of these are floated down the river, a truly magical sight. Later return to your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.

Hotel

Radisson

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Dinner

Hotel

Radisson

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Dinner

Day 3

Day 4

Varanasi SightseeingDay 4 - Varanasi Sightseeing

Early this morning enjoy a scenic sunrise boat trip on the holy River Ganges and see Varanasi slowly coming alive along the banks of the river. Observe the locals taking a morning bath in the holy water while worshipping the rising sun, a Cultural Insight. Return to your hotel for breakfast followed by a visit to Sarnath, one of the four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. The Archaeological Museum at Sarnath is amongst the most important in India and contains more than 6,800 sculptures and artefacts from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. At the museum, admire the original lion's heads from the Asoka Pillar, which form the symbol of the Indian republic. Return to your hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Day 4

Day 5

Varanasi - AgraDay 5 - Varanasi - Agra

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the short domestic flight to Agra. This splendid city played a significant role in shaping India's history. Discover the heritage of architectural and cultural splendour of the Golden Age. This afternoon visit the impressive Agra Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Site which encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. Although largely overshadowed by the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort is one of the finest Mughal forts in India and at one time the country was governed from within this powerful walled palatial city. As you drive through the city witness the local life, markets and hustle and bustle of everyday India. This evening dinner is at the hotel and perhaps choose to take part in an Optional Experience.

Hotel

Double Tree by Hilton

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Dinner

Hotel

Double Tree by Hilton

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Dinner

Day 5

Day 6

Agra - Jaipur (2 Nights)Day 6 - Agra - Jaipur (2 Nights)

Make an early start with a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the marble exterior reflecting rose and golden tints at sunrise which then turn to dazzling white. The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and it took 18 years and over 20,000 craftsmen to complete this monument in memory by an emperor for his beloved queen. Legend has it that once construction was completed, the emperor had the architects hands cut off, and blinded, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure anywhere else. After the visit return to your hotel for breakfast and later this morning depart for Jaipur, the capital of the colourful state of Rajasthan. This evening enjoy a Be My Guest dinner with a local family in their home.

Hotel

Hilton

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Be My Guest Dining

Hotel

Hilton

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Lunch

Be My Guest Dining

Day 6

Day 7

JaipurDay 7 - Jaipur

This morning visit the inspiring Amber Fort with its marvellous Rajput architecture listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The interior of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings. En route back to the hotel make a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. This afternoon continue your city tour with a visit to the City Palace Museum to see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. Across the road from the palace is the famous Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of five observatories in India. This astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century continues to provide accurate information to this day. Later this evening join your fellow guests and Travel Director for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Day 7

Day 8

Depart JaipurDay 8 - Depart Jaipur

Transfer to Jaipur airport for your onward flight or choose to travel to Delhi by coach, departing at 10:00 and arriving to Delhi at approximately 16:30. The coach will drop off at Delhi International Airport and the Trafalgar post night airport hotel; the Pride Plaza.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Day 8

Available Departures

Please see http://www.trafalgar.com:80/can/tours/indias-golden-triangle-with-varanasi for the latest discounts & departure information.

The Trafalgar Experience

Simply Authentic

Enjoy

Enjoy the wonder of travel, crisscrossing the globe through the seasons. On effortless adventures in breathtaking new horizons, forge lifelong friendships and memories. Our lovingly crafted itineraries are a fascinating mosaic of cultures, flavours, festivals and local stories. We’re with you all the way, guiding you and ensuring you experience the real thing: the sheer love of travel, entirely hassle-free.

Simply Authentic

Love... Travel

"Is simply the best way to position what our guests love to experience and what we love to deliver" - Gavin Tollman CEO

Simply Authentic

Meet

Meet warm-hearted locals and like-minded travellers. Along your journey of discovery, stop to share stories and flavours with local farmers, chefs and winemakers. Pause to admire the handicrafts and rich traditions of amazing artisans. Explore the essence of Europe through captivating accounts shared by expert historians and savvy local guides.

Simply Authentic

Taste

Travelling with your tastebuds, treating them to new flavours, spices and textures along the way. From the very first breakfast to the last nightcap, travelling through Europe indulges your palate, with every meal an opportunity to discover regional fare. Savour each new flavour, try the local tipple and take home fresh culinary inspiration. Let us share our love for food and hospitality with you.

Simply Authentic

Unwind

Once you've packed your suitcase, we take care of the rest, removing all your concerns so that you can be secure in the knowledge that an award-winning global company with an impeccable reputation has taken care of every little detail. We arrange everything you'll need along your journey - meals, accommodation and travel logistics, because we are with you all the way. Travel the world with peace of mind, knowing you’re in the hands of Trafalgar.